Let's ponder on a few cultural facts from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Japan is an island country with a rich cultural history that spans over many centuries.
Let us learn some amazing facts of Japanese culture and know more about this amazing country.
10 Cultural Facts About Japan That Will Blow Your Mind
1. When you visit a Japanese home, or a place offering tatami mats, make sure you remove your shoes outside.
2. Kimono is the traditional Japanese clothing. It consists of layers of robes made of silk, brocade, and weaved satin.
It is very expensive and is worn on special occasions or formal situations by brides, young single ladies, or the geisha.
3. Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions in Japan. Shinto is a Japanese religion that has prehistoric origins and revolves around the worship of deities, called kami.
4. Hanami or flower viewing is the traditional party held by the Japanese under the cherry blossom trees when they bloom.
5. The Japanese greet each other by following different rules of bowing. Shaking of hands is uncommon in Japanese culture.
6. Toro Nagashi is tradition of floating lanterns in rivers. It represents journey of soul to the afterlife and commemorates the tragic nuclear bombings.
7. Seiza is a traditional way of sitting on tatami floors. It is the appropriate way to sit at formal occasions or in Shinto shrines.
8. Slurping noodles is very much a part of Japanese culture. It is a sign of good manners to show you are enjoying your food.
9. While riding the subway, it is important to mind your manners. Do not eat or speak loudly on your phone. It is considered rude to sit with legs spread apart or to keep your ringtone loud.
10. Sumo wrestling is a part of Shinto rituals. It was performed at shrines to ensure bountiful harvest and please the spirits. Even today, sumo wrestling is considered sacred and is governed by Shinto principles.
The Japanese are considered to be hard-working individuals. Their society as a whole emphasizes discipline from young age.
Japanese culture was once very strict and orthodox, which has now evolved into a modern system, influenced much by the western world.
Words such as discipline, respect, and honor are not taken lightly by the Japanese society. Do visit Nippon and find many wonderful as well as mind-blowing Japanese traditions that make this country stand apart.